BEAUTY TALK WITH CATRIONA ROWNTREE

The Australian television presenter, author and mum of two, shares her insights into her beauty obsessions and life in the country

Are you diligent with your skincare?

Obsessed. You’ve just got to keep your precious skin clean, wash your hands, your makeup brushes, take collagen, vitamins, know that you really are what you eat, and not put makeup on like a drag queen. Not that I don’t adore my drag queens but leave that look to the experts.

When did you start focusing on products?

At around 12, my mum gave each of her three daughters a little pack containing a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, and guided us.

Have you found your skin needs changed after children and after the age of 40?

Dear Lord, the products have slowly moved down from the face, now to include the neck, tops of hands, décolletage, you name it, I’ll slather it. But I do smell lovely.

Do you do any regular treatments?

As if, I’m a working mum who lives on a farm. If I can’t do a mask in 10 minutes at home I’m not interested. I do try to see Dr Tass for a Clear & Brilliant facial when I can.

What are your thoughts on Botox and fillers?

Whatever floats your boat. But don’t distort your facial features with plastic surgery and try telling me that beauty comes from within, I won’t stand for it.

You’ve travelled so much with work, you must have packing down to a fine art?

Nope, I have to sit on my suitcase while my husband zips it shut. I always over-pack, my shampoo bursts mid-flight, I get a shoe mark on my silk shirt...

What are your inflight beauty essentials?

Cleansing wipes, spritzer, moisturiser (Clarins Beauty Flash Balm just before I disembark), Wet Ones, hand cream, lip balm, eye drops, nail file. I always break a nail pulling out the telly.

What do you love about life in the country?

Putting out the washing in m’knickers, singing really loudly. It’s so liberating, but I terrify the sheep!